Glossary

Dokusan A one on one private interview about one’s practice with a teacher

Dharma –reality of life, the teachings of Buddha, living truth, universal law; phenomena

Dharma Holder – a term first used by Maezumi Roshi for a student who is preparing to become a teacher

Gassho –a hand position of palm to palm “prayer position” with the hands about six inches from your face, a gesture of respect, humility, gratitude, or all three. Used with bowing

Jikido –zendo bell timekeeper

Jukai – ceremony of receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts. Jukai is taking refuge in the teachings of the precepts and the three Treasures

Kensho - An enlightenment or awakening experience. The experience varies and is impossible to describe in words, however it can be surprising experience to students who may suddenly have a glimpse of one's own nature and the true nature of reality

Kinhin –walking meditation

Koan - A brief anecdote recording an exchange between master and disciple or a master's enlightenment experience. Koans are used to bring a student to realization or to help clarify realization of the awakened way

Kyosaku - Wake-up stick or encouragement stick. We do not use these

Mindfulness - Mindfulness are actions of living in the present moment. Paying attention moment to moment and appreciating that all things are interrelated. Mindfulness is very important in Zen practice. When you breathe, we know we are breathing. When we eat, we know we are eating.

Mudra –hand position. During zazen, hands are placed in the “Cosmic Mudra” with the left hand and fingers placed in the upturned right hand, thumbs gently touching to form a circle. When bowing, hands move into gassho mudra. During kinhin, hands move into shashu mudra.

Preceptor – teacher authorized to offer the precepts

Precepts - The precepts are considered the moral and ethical teachings of Zen and are essentially about living the teachings through the development of character and non harming, and interconnected living

Roshi –master teacher, venerable teacher

Samadhi –single-pointed concentration using practices of breath, body, or “bare awareness”

Sangha –community of practitioners; spiritual friends

Samu - Selfless service; work that contributes to the maintenance of the temple and/or sangha. Periods of samu practice are often incorporated into practice days and may include cleaning, cooking, gardening, grounds keeping, etc.

Sensei –teacher

Sesshin –two or more days of especially intensive, extended Zazen practice, usually in a retreat or monastic setting.

Shashu –hand position during kinhin. One hand like a fist with the thumb enclosed, held toward mid-chest and held by the other hand over it, elbows away from the body and parallel to the ground.

Shikantaza - "Just sitting". A form of Zazen sitting that is objectless and relaxed. The body is still and upright and breathing. There are no mental aids such as counting the breath. It is “dropping body and mind.” A state of great mental alertness is cultivated, with no concepts or objects of thought in the mind; open awareness

Teisho –talk on the teachings by a teacher; also called a dharma talk.

Zabuton –large mat on which the zafu or seiza bench rests.

Zafu –sitting cushion, usually round.

Zazen –sitting meditation.

Zazenkai –one-day zazen retreat.

Zendo –meditation hall.